Folding chair



March 31, 1953 Filed May 19, 1950 G. H. NORQUIST FOLDING CHAIR 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. G1. EN/v H. Noreau/sr ,4f/5 ATTORNEY March 31, 1953 G. H. NoRQulsT FOLDING CHAIR SSheets-Sneet 2 Filed May 19, 1950 Ana-2,25, y

INVENTOR GLENN H. NoRQu/.ST

au t2 MM //S ATTORNEY March 3l, 1953 G. H. NoRQUlsT FOLDING CHAIR 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 19, 1950 INVENTOR. QL NN H. NoRpu/ST M, J Mv rf/6 ATTORNEY March 31, 1953 Filed May 19, 1950 G. H. NoRQulsT 2,633,183

FOLDING CHAIR l5 sheets-sheet 4 INVENTOR. GLEN/v H. NoRpu/sT March 3l, 1953 G. H. NoRQUlsT 2,633,183

FOLDING CHAIR Filed May 19, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Mar. 31, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FOLDING CHAIR Glenn H. N orquist, Jamestown, N. Y.

` Application May 19, 1950, Serial No. 163,045

16 Claims. (Cl. 155-141) This invention relates to folding chairs and more particularly to certain improvements in folding chairs wherein the front and rear hinge assemblies and the associated latching mechanism are substantially contained Within the frame of the seat section and thus concealed from exterior view, and whereby the seat section as thereby hingedly connected to the rear leg and the front leg sections may be easily folded and collapsed to occupy minimum space, and yet be held rigid andy immovable when the chair is latched in erected position.

Folding chairs constructed in accordance with this invention may be formed from either Wood or metal comprising a seat section presenting an apron frame to which the cushioned seat panel may be removably secured. The back section may be simply constructed to provide a pair of rear legs which are joined below the seat section by a horizontally extending connecting rung. The rear legs may present leg extensions formed integra1 therewith which extend above the seat section, with a back rest of any desired shape and formv secured to the rear leg extensions. The front leg section may be simply formed by a pair of front legs whose upper half sections are connected by a horizontally extending rung which is so located that the feet of the chair occupant cannot engage the rung and inadvertently damage the same. The adjacent front and rear legs are connected by side rungs whose ends are hingedly connected tothe adjacent legs by hinges of novel construction and which are substantially concealed from view and yet permit convenient folding of the front leg section and seat section intoV substantially collapsed parallelism with the back section..

The side apron members forming a part of the seat frame are connected to a rear` apron member by a pair of angular' shaped hinge brackets forming a part of the rear hinge assemblies. Each rear hinge bracket may be economically constructed from a stamped metal plate to provide a horizontal bracket leg which is secured to the inside face of the adjacent side apron member and to the adjacent end of the rear apron member to maintain these seat frame members in rigid assembly. Each rear hinge bracket is provided with a vertically extending leg having a hinge arm pivotally connected to the upper end thereof. Each hinge arm is secured to the inside face of the adjacent rear leg extension and is provided with an abutment lip designed to abut against a conformed abutment edge of the vertical bracket leg to assist in maintaining the chair rigid and immovable when latched in erect position. I

Each front hinge assembly comprises a front hinge bracket having a front leg secured to the inside face of the front .apron member, and a side leg secured to the inside face of the adjacent side apron member forming a part of the seat frame. Each front hinge bracket may be bent into angular form from a suitably shaped metal plate, and as secured to the adjacent front and side apron members, substantially reinforces and strengthens the seat fram-e. Each front hinge assembly also comprises a front leg plate having a vertical leg secured to the inside face of the. adjacent front chair leg and a horizontal leg whose end is pivotally connected to the side bracket leg of its associated front hinge bracket.`

An abutment lip projects laterally from each side bracket leg against which an abutment edge. forming a part of the front leg plate may seat and abut, thereby providing further means for maintaining the chair sections rigid and immovable when the chaij is in erect position.

Latching Imechanism concealed within the seat frame is provided for releasably locking the chair sections in erect position. The latching mechanism comprises an elongated latching bar extending generally parallel to the inside face of the front apron member of the seat section, and having its end portions slidably guided in horizontally extending slots cut in the side legs of the front hinge brackets. Each of the front leg plates are provided with a curvilinear edge against which the end portions of the latching bar may cam, each camming edge terminating in .a latching notch within which the adjacent end-portion of the latching bar may be drawn. Resilient means connected to the ends of the latching bar are provided to resiliently urge the latching bar into camming contact with the curvilinear edges of the front leg plates, and to draw the end portions of the latching bar into the latching notches thereof when the chair is in erect position and the latching notches are in alignment with the bar supporting slots in the front hinge brackets.

The chair sections may be unlatched to permit folding movement thereof by exerting linger pressure on the latching bar so as to draw the sam-e towards the front apron member of the seat frame. The front apron member of the seat frame may be provided with a horizontally extending groove along the inside face thereof to lof the front leg plates, which resilient means will also automatically draw the end portions of the latching bar into the latching notches of the front leg plates when the chair sections have been moved into erected chair seating position.

rThe front and rear hinging assemblies and the latching mechanism are so constructed and associated with the chair sections as tobe substantially unnotceable when the chair is in erect position, are so constructed as to compensate for wear of the parts so that the chair sections are held rigid and immovable when the chair is in erect position at all times, .and which serve to also rein'- force, brace and strengthen the chair sections so that the chair will withstand rigorous use and abuse through many years of useful life.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, in which:

Fig. l is a perspective view of the improved folding chair as it appears in set up position.

Fig. 2 is an elevational View of the folding chair as it appears when in collapsed position.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the seat section, the back section and the upper part of the front leg section, certain parts being broken away to illustrate certain details of the front and rear hinge assemblies which pivotally connect the seat section to the back section and the front leg section.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional View taken along line i--li of Fig. 3 to illustrate certain` details of one of the rear hinge assemblies.

Fig. 5 is a further cross-sectional view taken.

along line 5 5 of Fig. 3 to further illustrate the manner in which the rear seat bracket and associated hinge arm forming a part of the rear hinge assembly are secured to the seat frame and the adjacent leg of the back section, respectively.

Fig. 6 is a-horizontal cross-sectional view of the erectedchair as viewed along line 6 6 of Fig. 1-V

illustrating further details of the seat frame, the front and rear hinge assemblies, and the latching mechanism employed to releasably retain the chair in rigid erect position.

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line 'i-- of Fig. 3 showing further details of one of the front hinge assemblies and associated latching mechanism as the same would appear when the-chair is latched inrigid erect position.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary elevational View of the front portion of the seat section and the upper portion ofthe front leg section, certainparts beingbroken away to reveal one of thefront hinge assemblies as the same would appear whenthe latching mechanism has been released to permit folding of the seat section and front leg section.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of one of the front hinge assemblies employed to pivotally connect the seat section to the front leg section of the chair.

Fig. 10 is a perspective View of one of therear. hinge assemblies employed to pivotally connect the seat section to the back section of the chair.

Fig. llis a diagrammatic View of the chair sections in side elevation to illustrate the manner in whichthe latching mechanism operates to retain the connected sections of the chair in rigid erect position.

Cal

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic view of the chair sections in side elevation to illustrate the manner in which the chair sections are pivctally connected together to permit collapse movement thereof when the latching mechanism has been released.

Fig. 13 is a side elevational view of the improved folding chair having folding arm rests associated therewith, this view showing one of the arm. rests in full lines as itv wouldappearwhenthe chair is in erect' position,.and also showinglthe arm rest and seat section in dotted lines as the same would appear when in folded position.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary top elevational view of the folding chair shown in Fig. 13 with the folding arm rest associated therewith; and

Fig. l5 is an enlarged fragmentary crosssectional-view taken along line Iii-I5 of Fig. 13 showing the manner in which the arm rest supporting member is pivotally connected to the adjacent side framemember ofthe seat section.

Similar reference characters refer to similarv partsthroughout the several views of the drawings and the specification.

Folding chairs constructed in accordance with this invention and as shown in the drawings for purposes'of illustration, generally comprise a rear leg and back section I hingedly connected to a seat section I5 by a pair of rear hinge assemblies 25, and a front leg section 5 hingedly connected to the seat section I5 by a pair of front hinge assemblies 4U.

The rear leg and back section I may be constructed to provide a pair of rear legs 2 having leg extensions 2 to which. a back rest 3 is secured. The rear legs 2 may be secured together by a rear leg connecting rung 4 so that the rungV f3 and the backrest 3 secured to the legs 2 and leg extensions 2 providea strong and rigid back section for the chair. It will be appreciated that the rear leg extensions 2 may be formed as an integral part of the rear legs2 and may be made of wood or metal shaped to any desired artistic contour. The back rest 3 may be made from artistically carved'or shaped wood or metal and if desired may be padded as indicated in the drawings.

The front leg section 5 comprises a pair of front legs which are secured together by a front leg connecting rung l. The front legs 6 may be given any desired shape or contour and may be made from either wood or metal. It will be noted that the connecting rung 'I is connected to the upper half section of the front legs 6 as shown in Fig. l so that the chair occupant cannot readily place his feet on the rung I in a manner to subject the same to unusual strains.

Each front leg 6 is joined to the adjacent rear leg, 2 by a side rung 8. One end of the side rung 8 is connected to the front leg 6 by a front pivot hinge 9 and the other end of the rung 8 is connected to the adjacent rear leg 2 by a rear pivot hinge It; Thepivot hinges 9 and l0 are so constructedas to permit folding of the erected chair from the position shown in Fig. l to the folded position shown inFig. 2 and are shaped and attached in a manner tobe substantially not noticeable. Each of the hinges 9 and I0 comprises a leaf plate I i which is embedded in a conforming slot'forming the adjacent end of the rung 8, and a leaf plate I2 which is embedded in a conforming slot formed in the adjacent chair leg. rlhe leaf plates EI and' i2 are secured to the rung and the adjacent chair leg respectively as by substantially invisible nails or screws. Each leaf plate I I has a head portion I I which is designed to overlap a corresponding head portion I2' associated with the leaf. plate 12, the head perdons' l I' and I2 4being hingedly connected together by means of a suitable hinge rivet I3. It will be noted by referring to Fig. 1 that the hingedly connected head portions Il' and I2 project only slightly from the adjacent surfaces of the rung 8 and chair legs, and that when the chair is in erect position as shown in Fig. l, these head portions A|| and I2" are neatly nested in the cornerforming juncture between the rung and the ad- `jacent'chair leg so vas to be substantially unnoticeable when the chair is in erect position. The side rungs 8 on each side of the chair may be joined by a connecting bar |4 whose ends are secured to the approximate mid-section of the side rungs 8 as indicated in Fig. l and beyondthe reach of the feet of the chair occupant.

The seat section I5 is constructed to provide a seat frame which may be made of either wood or metal. purposesV of illustration comprises a front apron member I6 and a pair of side apron members I1 whose adjacent ends meet in mitered joints I8 secured together as by connecting dowels I3 and a suitable bonding adhesive. A rear apron member is provided which is connected to the adjacent rear ends of the side apron members I1 by the rear hinge assemblies in a manner" which will be more particularly described hereafter. The seat section I5 is also constructed to provide a seat panel 2l designed to rest on the upper edges of the front apron member I6, side apron members |1 and rear apron member 26.

The seat panel 2| may be covered by a suitable flexible seat covering 22 which may be made of leather, fabric, or suitable sheeted plastic of the desired strength and wearability. The peripheral edges 22 of the seat covering 22 may be folded under and suitably secured to the under face of the seat panel 2|. Cushioning material or padding 23, which may comprise foam rubber or suitable fibrous material, is sandwiched between the seat covering 22 and the seat panel 2|.

The paired rear hinged assemblies 25 are se# cured to the inside faces of the side apron members |1 of the chair seat |5 and ythe inside faces of the adjacent rear legs 2 of the back section I. Each rear hinge assembly 25 maybe simply constructed from stamped metal 'parts in the form more particularly illustrated in Fig. 10 and comprising a sea-t bracket 26 and a hinge arm 3| pivotally connect-ed thereto. The seat bracket 26 is generally angular in form and presents a horizontal leg 21 and a vertical leg 28 having iiat side faces. The horizontal leg 21 is providedv with a series of screw holes 23 by means of which the same may be secured as by screws 29 to the inside face of the adjacent side apron member |`1 as indicated in Figs. 3 and 6. The heel portion 21 of the seat bracket 26 is designed to extend between the inside face of the adjacent rear leg 2 and the adjacent end of the rear apron member 20 and is provided with a pair of screw holes 30 through which screws 30 may be inserted to secure the heel portion 21 of the seat bracket to the adjacent end of the rear apron member 20. It will thus be noted that the paired seat bracke ets 26 secure the rear apron member ZIJ to the side apron members |1 in rigid assembly to provide a strong and sturdy seat frame. y y

Each rear seat bracket 26 is hingedly connected to the adjacent rear leg 2 of the back section I by the hinge arm 3| which may be formed from a flat metal plate of suitable shape. The upper end of the hinge arm 3| is pivotally con- The seat frame shown in Figs. 1 and 6 for,

nected to the upper end ofthe verticalV leg 28T of the associated seat bracket 26 as by a hinge rivet 32 with a pivot washer 32' sandwiched therebetween to reduce friction. Each hinge arm 3| is provided with a series of screw holes 33 which receive screws 33' for securing the hinge arm to the inside face of the adjacent rear leg extension 2. It will be noted by referring more particularly to Figs. 5 and 6, Ithat each hinge arm 3| is rembedded in a conforming cavity 3| cut into the inside face of the adjacent rear leg extension 2 so that the exposed face of the hinge arm 3| is substantially iiush with vthe adjacent exposed face of the rear leg extension 2.

Hinging movement of each seat bracket 26 with respect to its associated hinge arm 3| is limited by an abutment lip 34 extending laterally from the rear edge of the hinge arm as indicated in Figs. 3, 5 and 10. The rear edge of the vertical leg 28 of the seat bracket 26 is provided with a conformed abutment edge 34' designed to snugly seat and abut against the abutment lip 34 when the chair is in fully erected position. The abutment lip 34 performs the important purpose of maintaining the chair sturdy 'and rigid when latched in erect position.

y The seat panel 2| may be detachably secured in position on the seat frame by a pair of rear angle clips 35 which are secured to the rear seat brackets 26. Each angle clip 35 presents a horizontal leg 3E having a screw hole 31 through which a screw 31 extends which is secured to the under face of the seat panel 2|. Each angle clip 35 is also provided with a vertical leg 38, as indicated in Figs. 3, 6 and l0, which is secured as by spot welds 38 to the inside face of the adjacent horizontal leg 21 of the rear seat bracket 26.

The front leg section 5 is hingedly connected to the front part of the seat section I5 by a pair'of front hinge assemblies 40. Each -front hinge assembly 40, as illustrated in Figs. 1, 3 and 9, comprises a front seat bracket 4| which is hingedly connected to a front leg plate 53, both of which may be formed from metal plates stamped to the required shape. Seat bracket`4| comprises a front bracket leg 42 having a series of screw holes 43 therein through which screws 43' may be inserted to secure the front leg 42 to the inside face of the front apron member I6 of the seat frame, as indicated more particu-` larly in Figs. 3, 6, `1, 8 and 9. A side bracket leg 44 projects substantially at right angles from the front bracket leg 42 and extends along the inside face of the adjacent side apron member |1 of the seat frame. It will be noted by referring to Fig. 6, that the side bracket leg 44 extends parallel to, but is slightly spaced from the in# side face of the adjacent side' apron member I 1, and that its freeend portion is provided with an offsetportion 45 which terminates in a flange portion 46 which seats flatly against the inside face of the adjacent side apron member |1 and is provided with screw holes 41 Kthrough which screws 41 are' inserted to secure the same to the adjacent side apron member I1.

" The front leg plate 50 associated with the front seat bracket 4| Ito provide the complete front hinge assembly is formed from a stamped metal plate shaped into flat angular form and presents a vertical plate leg 5| and a horizontal plate leg 52. The vertical plate leg 5I is provided with a series of screw holes 53 Ithrough which screws 53 may be inserted to secure the same to the inside face of the adjacent front chair leg E. It

willY be noted by referring to Figs. 3, 6 and '7, that the vertical leg of the plate 56 isset within a conforming recess 5| formed in the inside face of the adjacent front chair leg 6 so that the exposed face of the plate leg 5| is substantially flush with the adjacent exposed face of chair leg 6. The free end of the horizontal leg 52 of the front leg plate 56 is pivotally secured by hinge rivet 54 to the adjacent face of the side bracket leg 44 of the seat bracket 4|, with a fibre washer 54' positioned therebetween to increase friction.

Means are provided to limit the hinging movement of the front leg plate with respect to its associated seat bracket 4I, which means comprises an abutment lip 55 extending laterally from the upper edge of the side bracket leg 44 of the seat bracket 4I. The leg plate 50 presents an abutment edge 55 designed to abut against the abutment lip 55 when the chair is in fully erected position, thereby maintaining the erected chair rigid and immovable.

The seat panel 2| is also removably secured to the front seat brackets 4| as by means of angle clips 56, as illustrated more particularly 1n Figs. 3 and 6. Each angle clip 56 presents a horizontal leg 51 through which a screw 51 may be inserted and secured to the underface of the seat panel 2|, and a vertical leg 58 which is secured to the adjacent face of the side bracket leg 44 of the front seat bracket 4l as by spot welds 58. While the seat panel 2| rests upon and is supported by the upper edge of the apron frame which forms a part of seat section I5, the seat panel 2| may be easily and quickly attached or removed in i position as desired by applying or removing the screws 51' and 31 associated with the angle clips 56 and 35 respectively.

The latching mechanism 6I] employed to releasably maintain the folding chair in rigid erect position is illustrated in detail in Figs. 3, 6, '7 and 8. The latching assembly 60 comprises a latching bar 6I extending horizontally along the inside face of the front apron member I6 and is designed to be retracted into a horizontally extending conforming groove 'I6 provided therein. The end portions 6I' of the latching bar extend through horizontal closed-end slots 62 in the side bracket legs 44 of the front hinge brackets 4| and are designed to rest on the lower horizontally extending edges of the slots 62. To permit unobstructed retracting movement of the 4latching bar 6| into the horizontal groove 10, the front leg 42 of each front hinge bracket 4| is also provided with a slot 63 which may be of somewhat greater ,heighth but otherwise joins the adjacent slot 62 .in the associated side leg 44 of the front hinge bracket 4I. The latching bar 6I is thus normally free to move in a horizontal plane as limited by the depth of the horizontal groove 'I0 in the front apron member when in retracted position, and as limited by the closed ends 62" of slots 62 in the side bracket legs 44 when in inwardly extending position.

The latching bar 6I is urged horizontally in wardly toward the closed end 62" of the slots 62 by a pair of tension springs 64. One end of each tension spring 64 is secured to a hook portion 65 which is struck out from the side leg 44 of the front hinge bracket 4I, as shown moreparticularly in Fig. 6, while the other end of each tension spring 64 is secured to an eyelet portion 66 formed in the edge of the latching bar 6|. Thus the tension springs 64 resiliently urge the end portions 6| of the latching bar 6I towards the closed ends 62 of the bar'supporting slots 62,

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and yet permit retraction of the latching bar 6I into the horizontal groove 'I0 in the front apron member when finger pressure is applied thereto.

Each end portion 6I' of the latching bar 6I is designed to have riding contact with the curvilinear camming edge 6'I of each front leg plate, as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 8. The camming edge 6I of each front leg plate 50 terminates in a latching notch 68 designed to receive the adjacent end portion 6I' of the latching bar 6I as urged therein by the adjacent tension spring 64. It will be noted, however, that during folding movement of the chair sections, the end portions 6| of the latching bar 6| are maintained by the tension springs 64 in riding contact with the curvilinear camming edges 61 of the adjacent front leg plates, and only when the latching notches 68 are in alignment with the bar supporting slots 62 which occurs when the chair is in erected position, will the end portions 6I of the latching bar 6| as urged by the tension springs 64 snap into the latching notches 68, as indicated in Fig. 3. It will be further noted, that the tension springs 64 exert an appreciable downward as well as inward pull on the latching bar 6| so that the end portions 6| thereof are at all times maintained in sliding contact with the lower edges 62' of the slots 62 as indicated in Figs. 3, 7 and 8.

The latching notch 68 in each of the front leg plates 56 presents the lower edge 69 thereof somewhat below the bar supporting edge 62 of the adjacent bar receiving slot 62 when the chair is in erected position, as indicated in Fig. 3. Thus the lower edges 69 of the latching notches 68 do not interfere with the sliding movement of the latching bar 6| on the adjacent lower edges 62 of the fixed bracket slots 62. However, it will be noted by referring to Figs. 3 and 8 that each of the latching notches 68 present an upper edge 68 which is inclined so as to require the adjacent end portion 6I' of the latching bar 6I to cam thereagainst when the chair is in erect position. Thus when the chair is in erect position, the end portions 6I' of the latching bar 6|, as urged by the tension springs 64, will slide inwardly along the lower supporting edges 62 of the fixed slots 62 unti1 the end portions 6I strike the inclined edges 68' .of the latching notches 68, thereby preventing further inward movement of the latching bar. As thus constructed, each end portion 6I of the latching `bar 6| become wedged between the lower edge 62 of the fixed slot 62 and the upper inclined edge 68 of the latching notch 68, which wedging force drives the abutment edges 55' of the front leg plates 50 into rm abutment against the abutment lips 55 of the front hinge brackets 40, thereby locking the front leg section 5 to the seat section I5 rigidly and immovably together. The inclined camming edges 68 of the latching notches 68 also compensate for wear of the parts of the latching mechanism, so that the erected chair sections are maintained rigid and iilrimovable irrespective of the long time use of the c air.

It will be noted that the latching mechanism 60 and its associated latching bar 6| is fully concealed within the seat frame and invisible when the chair is in erected use position. To retract the latching bar 6| into the receiving groove 'I6 of the front apron member I6, the palm of the hand is placed against the outside face of the 'front apron member I6 and the ngers extended inwardly so as to grip the latching bar 6I at approximately the mid-section thereof. To facilitate nger contact with the approximate mid- 9 section of the latching bar 6|, a pair of feeler strips 1| are desirably provided which are secured as by screws 12 to the inside face of the front apron member I6 adjacent the lower edge thereof, as indicated in Figs. 3, 6, 7 and 8. The inner ends 1| of the feeler strips 1l are spaced a convenient distance apart to expose a substantial mid-sectional length 13 of the latching bar 6I for convenient nger gripping. As an alternative, the feeler strips 1I may be eliminated, and in their stead the finger gripping section 13 of the latching bar may be made pronounced and centrally located, by partly cutting away an edge section 14 on each side of the pronounced center section 13 thereof, so that the latching bar can be conveniently manipulated only when the pronounced center section 13 thereof is gripped.

The folding chair as above constructed is shown in Figs. 13 and 14 as equipped with a pair of arm rest assemblies 15 which provide rigid but comfortable support for the arms of the chair occupant, and yet are foldable in a compact ymanner when the seat section I is swung into folded position. Each arm rest assembly 15 comprises an artistically shaped arm rest member 1S of comfortable arm supporting contour having one end thereof pivotally secured as by a pivot bolt 1-1 which extends horizontally through a bored hole in the rear end of the arm rest member 16 with the threaded end of the bolt 11 strongly threaded into the side face of the adjacent rear leg extension 2'. The front end of the arm rest member 1t is supported by a strut member 18 whose upper end is pivotally connected to the under face thereof by a metal strap hinge 19.

Means are provided toy pivotally connect the lower end of each strut member 18 to the outside face of the adjacent side apron member I1 of the seat frame, as more particularly shown in Figs. 13 and 15, which comprises a pivot bolt 8) which has a smooth shank body 3l extending through a conforming hole bored laterally through the lower end of the strut member 18. The pivot bolt 8U is provided with an exposed head portion 82 by means of which it may be manipulated and a threaded end portion 83. The threaded end portion 83 of the pivot bolt 8U is threaded into a tubular sleeve 84 having an enlarged collar 85 which seats within a conforming cavity 86 bored into the end face of the strut member 18,. The collar portion 85 also serves as a trunion bearing upon which the strut member 18 may pivot.

The main body of the sleeve 84 extends into a conforming hole 81 bored horizontally into the adjacent side apron member I1 of the seat frame and is provided with external threads 88 which thread into corresponding threads formed in the cylindrical wall of the bored hole 81. The tubular sleeve 84 is thus rigidly secured to the side apron member l1 and servesto hold the pivot bolt 8l in rigid position to provide a strong and sturdy pivot means about which the lower end ofthe strut member 18 may pivot.

Folding chairs constructed in accordance with this invention may be selectively provided with arm rest assemblies 15 as desired and at modest cost. The arm rest assemblies above described become automatically extended into arm. supporting position when the chair is erected, and automatically fold when the seat section is swung into folding position. Folding chairs constructed in accordance wit this invention may be made from either wood 10i or metal in numerous different styles and de signs to serve as bridge chairs, dining and living room chairs, and general utility chairs of high quality. These folding chairs have the exterior appearance when erected of pemanently set up chairs wherein the back sectionsr and the front leg sections are rigidly, and permanently secured to the seat sections. The front and rear hinging assemblies may be made from stamped metal plates which can be shaped and assembled at low cost and may be secured in position to the chair sections with a minimum of labor. The latching mechanism may also be assembled` from relatively few and easily formed parts at modest cost, and is so constructed that the same may be connected to the assembled chair sections with minimum labor. As thus vconstructed andl assembled, these improved folding chairs remain rigid and unyielding when latched in erected position, and are constructed to compensate for wear of the parts and thereby insure many years of useful life. While certain novel features of this invention have been disclosed above, and are pointed Vout in the claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this invention.

, What is claimed is:

1. An improved folding chair comprising a seat section having a depending apron frame formed from front, rear and side apron members, a back section presenting a pair of rear chair legs, a front section presenting a pair of front chair legs, a pair of rear hinge assemblies pivotally connecting the seat section to the back section,- a pair of front hinge assemblies pivotally connecting the front leg section to the seat section, and latching mechanism for releasably locking the chair sectionsin erected position, each of said rear hinge assemblies comprising a rear seat bracket and a hinge arm, said rear seat bracket having a horizontal leg secured to the inside face of the adjacent side apron member and a. vertical leg extending upwardly therefrom, means for pivotally connecting the upper end of said hinge arm to the upper end of said vertical bracket leg, means for securing said hinge arm to the inside face of the adjacent rear leg of the back section, and an abutment lip extending from the rear edge of said hinge arml against which the rear edge of said vertical bracket leg is designed to abut when the chair is in erect position, each of said front hinge assemblies comprising a front seat bracket and a leg plate, said front seat bracket having a. front leg secured to the inside face of the adjacent front apron member and a side leg secured tothe inside face of the adjacent side apron member, said leg plate having a vertical leg, secured to the inside face of the adjacent front chair leg, a horizontal leg pivotally connected to the adjacent side bracket leg and hip portion connecting the vertical and horizontal legs of the leg plate, an abutment lip extending laterally from the upper edge of said side bracket leg against which the upper edge of the horizontal leg of said leg plate is designed to abut when the chair is in erect position, said latching mech- A anism comprising a horizontally extending latching bar` having relatively flat faced end portions extending through horizontal slots in the side bracket legs of said front hinge brackets and slidable on the lower vedge of said slots, means ufor resiliently urgingzthe end portions of said latching bar into saidbracketslots, agroove extending horizontally along theinside face 'of said front apron member designed to receive said latching bar when manually drawn into retracted position, each of the hip portions of said leg plates presenting a curvilinear camming edge against which the `adjacent end portion of the latching bar is designed to cam when the chair sections are swung to and from erected position, each of said ycamming edges terminating in-a latching notch `,extending into the hip portion-of the leg plate, ysaid latching notches being designed to'align with the slots in the side bracket legs when the chair sections are in erected position, each of said latching notches presenting an upper camming edge against which theadjacent flat faced end portion of the latching bar is designed to wedge when drawn into the latching 'notch vby said resilient means.

2. An improved folding chair comprising a seat section having a depending apron frame formed from front, rear and side apron members, a back section presenting Va pair of rear chair legs, a front section presenting a pair offront chair legs, a pairof rear hinge assemblies pivotally connecting the seat section to the back section, a pair of front hinge assemblies pivotally connecting the front leg section'to the Yseat section, and latching mechanism for releasably locking the chair sectionsin `erected position, 'each of said rear hinge assemblies comprising a rear lseat bracket and a hinge Aarm formed from plate metal, said rear seat `bracket Ahaving a horizontal leg secured to the inside face of theadjacent side apron memberand a vertical leg extending upwardly therefrom, means orpivotally connecting the upper end of said hinge arm to the'upper end of said vertical bracket'leg,l means for securing said hinge arm in -recessed position to the insideface of the adjacent rear leg of the back section, and an abutment lip extending from the rear edge of said hinge armagainst-'which `the rear edge of said vertical bracket Yleg is designed to'abut when the chair is in erect position, each of said front hinge assemblies comprisingva front seat bracket and a leg plate -formed from plate metal, said frontseat bracket -having a front leg secured to thefinsideface of the adjacent front apron member and aside leg Vspaced from but extending parallel to the inside face of the adjacent side apron memberand-terminating in an offset flange portion securedtothe side apron member, said leg plate havinga vertical leg Ysecured to the inside face of the adjacent front chair leg, a horizontal leg pivotally connected vto -the adjacent side bracket'legfandahip portion connecting the vertical and horizontal "legs `of the leg plate, the horizontal Alegami. hip portion ofthe legplate `being swingable between the side bracket leg and the Yadjacent side 'apronrnemben and an abutment lip extending'laterally from the upper edge of said side bracket leg against which the upper edge of the horizontal leg of said leg plate is rdesigned Ato abut'when the chair is in erected position, said latching mechanism comprising ya horizontally extending latching bar having relatively flat faced Vend portions extending through horizontalslots in the-side bracket legs of said front hinge brackets and slidable on the lower edge of 'said slots, 'coil springs connected to the end portions of the-latching bar and the adjacent side bracket legs for'resiliently urging the endportions of the latching bar into said bracket slots, .a groovefextending horizontally along the inside face 'of said front :apron 'member designed to receive said latchingfbarwhenmanuallynrawn into Vretracted position, eachof the hip portions of said leg plates presenting acurvilinear camming edge `against whichthe adjacent end` portion ofthe latching-bar is designed to cam when fthe chair sections .are swung to .and from erected position, each of saidcamming edges terminating in alatching ,notchextending into the hip portion of the legr plate, said latching notchesibeing designed to align with'the slots in the side bracket legs when the chairsections areinerected position, each of said latching notches presentingan upper cammingY edgeagainst which the adjacent fiat faced end'portion'of the latching bar is designed to `wedge when drawn into the latching notch by said resilient means.

3. A folding chair comprising a 'seat section having 4a depending apron frame formed from side and rear apron members, a front leg section pivotally connected to said apron frame, a back section having a pair of rear legs presenting leg extensions extending .above the seat section, and a pair of hinge assemblies for pivotally connecting the seat section to the back section, each of said hinge assemblies comprising an angular shaped seat bracket having a horizontal leg secured to the inside face of the adjacent side apron member and terminating in a heel portion, and a vertical leg projecting from said heel portion beyond the seating face of the seat section, a hinge arm secured to the inside face of the adjacent rear leg extension, hinging means for pivotally connecting the upper end of said hinge arm to the upper end of said vertical leg permitting folding movement of the seat section into approximate parallelism with the back section, and an abutment lip extending'laterally fromwthe rear edge of said hinge arm against which the rear edge oi the heel portion of theseat bracket may abut when the chair is in erect position.

4. A folding chair comprising a seat section having a depending apron frame formed from side and rear apron members, a front leg Vsection pivotally connected to said apron frame, a back section having a pair of rear legs presenting leg extensions extending above the seat section, and a pair of hinge assemblies for pivotally connecting the seat section tothe back section, each of said hinge assemblies comprising an angular shaped seat 4bracket having `a horizontal leg secured to the inside face of the Aadjacent side apron member and terminating in a heel portion secured to the adjacent end of said'rear apron member, and a vertical leg projecting upwardly from said heel portion "beyond the seating face of the seat section, a hinge arm recessed in and secured to the inside'fa'ce of .the adjacent rear leg extension, hinging means for pivotally connecting the upper end of said hinge arm to the upper end of said verticalleg permitting folding movement of the seat section into approximate parallelism with fthe back section, and an abutment lip vextending laterally from the rear edge of Vsaid hinge 'arm against which the rear edge of the heel portion ofthe seat bracket may abut when the chair is in erect'position.

5. A folding chair comprising `a seat section having a depending apron frame formed from side and rear apron members, a front leg section pivotally connected to 'said apron frame, a back section having a pair of rear legs presenting leg extensions V'extending above the seat section, and a pair of hinge assemblies for pivotally connecting the seat section tothe back section, each vof said Vhinge assemblies comprising an -angular essaies 13 shaped seat bracket having a horizontal leg secured to the inside face of the adjacent. side apron member and terminating in a heel portion secured to the adjacent end of said rear apron member, and a vertical leg projecting upwardly from said heel portion beyond the seating face of the seat section, a hinge arm reces-sed in and secured to the inside face of the adjacent rear leg extension, a hinging rivet for pivotally connecting the upper end of said hinge arm to the upperl end of said vertical leg, a pivot washer disposed between the upper ends of said hinge arm and said vertical leg to facilitate folding movement of the seat section into approximate parallelism with the back section, and an abutlment lip extending laterally from the rear edge of said hinge arm against which the rear edge of the heel portion of the seat bracket may iabut when the chair is in erect position.

6. A rear hinge assembly for folding chairs designed to pivotally connect the seat section to one of the rear legs of the back section comprising, an angular shaped seat bracket having a horizontal leg presenting means for securing the same to the seat section and terminating in a heel portion presenting means for securing the heel portion to the seat section, and a vertical leg extending from said heel portion, a hinge arm presenting means for securing the same to the back section, a hinge pin pivotally connecting the upper end of said hinge arm to the upper end of said vertical leg to permit a swinging movement ofthe seat bracket with respect to said hinge arm, an abutment lip formed integrally with and extending laterally from the rear edge of said hinge arm, and a conformed abutment edge associated with the rear edge of said heel portion designed to snugly abut against said abutment lip to limit the swinging movement of said seat bracket with respect to said hinge arm.

'7. A rear hinge assembly for folding chairs designed to pivotally connect the seat section to one of the rear legs of the back section comprising, an angular shaped seat bracket presenting flat side faces formed from a flat metal plate, said seat bracket having a horizontal leg presenting holes therein for securing the same to the seat section, said horizontal bracket leg terminating in a heel portion having holes therein for securing the heel portion to the seat section, and a vertical leg extending from said heel portion at an acute angle to said horizontal bracket leg, a hinge arm formed from a metal plate presenting flat side faces, a hinge rivet pivotally connecting the upper end of said hinge arm to the upper end of said vertical bracket, a pivot washer surrounding said hinge rivet and positioned between the upper ends of the hinge arm and the vertical leg to facilitate swinging movement of the seat bracket with respect to said hinge arm, an abutment lip formed integrally with and extending laterally from the rear edge of said hinge arm, and a conformed abutment edge associated with the rear edge of said heel portion `designed to snugly abut against said abutment lip when the longitudinal axis of the vertical bracket leg is in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of said hinge arm.

8. A rear hinge assembly for folding chairs designed to pivotally connect the seat section to one of the rear legs of the back section comprising, an angular shaped seat bracket presenting fiat sidefaces4 designed to be'stamped from a 'at metal plate, said seat bracket having a' horizonsame to the seat section, said horizontal bracket leg terminating in a heel portion having holes therein for securing the heel portion to the seat section, and a vertical leg extending from said heel portion at an angle of from to 85vwith respect to the mid-section line of said horizontal leg, a hinge arm stamped from a flat metal plate presenting flat side faces, a hinge rivet pivotally connecting the upper end of said hinge arm to the upper end of said vertical bracket leg, a pivot Washer surounding said hinge rivet and positioned between the upper ends of the hinge arm and the vertical leg to facilitate swinging movement of the seat bracket with respect to said hinge arm, an abutment lip formed integrally with and extending laterally from the rear edge of said hinge arm, and a conformed abutment edge associated with the rear edge of said heel portion designed to snugly abut against said abutment lip when the longitudinal axis of the vertical bracket leg is in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of said hinge arm.

9. A folding chair comprising a seat section having a depending apron frame formed from front and side apron members, a rear leg section pivotally connected to said apron frame, a front leg section having a pair of connected front chair legs, and a pair of hinge assemblies for pivotally connecting the front leg section to the seat section, each of said hinge assemblies comprising an angular seat bracket having o ne leg thereof se-` cured to the inside face of the adjacent front apron member and the other leg thereof secured to the inside face of the adjacent side apron member, an angular shaped chair leg plate having flat side faces and presenting a vertical leg, a

horizontal leg and a hip portion connecting said vertical and horizontal legs, a means for securing the vertical plate leg to the inside face of the upper end portion of the chair leg, a hinge rivet pivotally connecting the free end of said horizontal plate leg to the side leg of the seat bracket, an abutment edge associated with the exterior edge of the horizontal leg of the leg plate, and an abutment lip extending laterally from the upper edge of the side bracket leg of the seat bracket against which said abutment edge of the leg plate may abut when the chair is in erected position.

10. A folding chair comprising a seat section having a depending apron frame formed from front and side apron members, a rear leg section pivotally connected to said apron frame, a front leg section having a pair of connected front chair legs, and a pair of hinge assemblies for pivotally connecting the front leg section to the seat section, each of said hinge assemblies comprising an angular seat bracket having one leg thereof secured to the inside face of the adjacent front apron member and the other leg thereof extending substantially at a right angle to said front bracket leg and in substantial parallelism but spaced from the inside face of the adjacent side apron member, said side bracket leg terminating in'an offset ange portion secured to'the inside face of the adjacent side apron member, an angular shaped chair leg plate having flat side faces and presenting a vertical leg, a horizontal leg and a hip portion connecting said vertical and horizontal legs, means for securing the vertical plate leg in recessed position to the inside face of 'the upper end portion of the chair leg, a hinge rivet pivotally connecting the free end of said horizontal plate leg to the side leg of the seat bracket whereby the hip portion and horizontalA tal lleg presenting holes therein for'securing ,the 7v5'leg of the chair leg plate maybe swung betweeny theside bracketlleg and thefinsidefffaceof vtl1e'ad jacent Tside apron member when the chair is iin erected position, an abutment edge associated with the exterior-edge of the horizontal leg of said leg plate, and an abutment lip extending laterally'from the upper edgeof the side bracket leg of the 'seat bracket lagainst which said abutment edgeof the leg plate may-abut Whenfth'echair is in erected'position.

11. A vfront v'hinge assembly for vfolding ichairs designed to -pivotally'connect the 'seat section vto onefof -the-frontlegs of the front leg section` cornprising, an angular-shapedseat bracketpresenting -a front .leg having vmeans for securing fthe same .to the seatsectionand aside legextending substantially at -a right Langle to `said front leg and'having means for securing 'the'same :to the seat-Section, an angular -leg plate having afvertical lleg vprovided with holes thereinforsecuring the same to the adjacent V`vertical chair leg, a horizontal leg, and a hip portion `joining rsaid horizontal leg vto Ythe vertical leg,.a 'hinge pin pivotally-connecting the free end-of said horizontal plate leg tothe vside face of said side bracket leg of the seat bracket,-a-pivot Washer positioned-between the-adjacent faces-of the horizontal'leg of thelegplate and the side leg of :the seat bracket, and an abutment'lip extending laterally from the upper'edge of said side bracket leg, said horizontal leg of the legfplate presentingan abutment edge designed lto be 'swung Afinto abutment against lsaid abutment lip.

l2. A front hinge assembly `for folding chairs designed to pivotally connect the -seat'section to one of the front legs of the front leg section comprising, an angular shaped seat bracket formed from a metal Yplate presenting a front leg having holes therein for securing lthe same to the seat sectionfand a side leg extending substantially at a right angle to said front leg, said side leg terminating inran outwardly offset flange portion having holes therein for securing .the same to the seat section, 4an angular leg :plate formed froma metal .plate having yazvertical leg provided .Withholes thereinforsecuring the. same to the adjacent 4vertical chair leg, `a horizontal leg, :and ahip portion joiningsaidhorizontal leg totthe vertical leg, a hinge vrivet pivotally con.

necting the ffree .end of said `'horizontal plate `leg to the depressedside face of said vside leg of .the seat bracket, .a :pivot washer lpositioned between the adjacent .faces of vthe horizontal .leg of the legplate and theside leg fof the seat bracket, and an abutment lip extending laterally from the .upper edge `of said side bracket leg, said horizontalleg of the leg platepresenting anabutment edge .designed .to be swung into abutment against said abutment lip.

r13. Afolding chair comprising a :seat 4section having a depending apron frame formed from front and side apron members, aback section pivotally connected to said seat section, a front leg section comprising a .pair of spaced `vertical legs, -a pair of front hinge assemblies for pivotallyrconnecting the front leg section to the'apron frame of the seat section, and latching mechanisrn for releasablyretaining the chair in rigid erect position, each of Asaid iront hinge assemblies comprising an .angular seat bracket having one leg thereof secured to the inside face of the adjacent front apron member and theother leg thereof secured to the adjacent side `apron member, a leg plate presenting a .vertical -legY secured to the insideface .of the adjacent chair leg,.a horizontal leg y.pivotally connected to `said T16 horizontal '-leg to the vertical leg, V'and an labutment Ylip extending from said side bracket leg against which the upper-edge of the horizontal leg of the'leg plate -will abut ywhen the chair is in erected position,said latching mechanism comprising a horizontally extending latching bar having dat faced end portions, a horizontally extendingslot in each of said side bracket legs for receiving Athe adjacent atfaced end portion of the latching bar, each of said slots presenting a smooth lower edge for supporting the adjacent iiat faced end 'portion of the latching bar, resilient means connected to the end lportions oi the latching bar operative to resiliently draw the endportions thereof into the slots associated with said side bracket legs, the hip portion of each of .said 1eg pla-tes presenting a curvilinear camining edge designed to engage the adjacent end portion of the latching bar when the chair sections are swung to and from erected position, each of said curvilinear .camming edges terminating in a latching notch extending into the hip portion of the leg plate, each of said latching notches being arranged to align with theslot in the adjacent .side bracket leg when the legplate is in abutment against the abutment lip extending from .the adjacent side Ibracket leg, each of said latching notches presenting an upper inclined camming edge against which .the flat faced end portion of the Tlatching bar may wedge when the chair is in erected position.

14. A folding chair comprising -a seat section having a depending apron frame formed from front and side .apron .members a back section pivotally connected to said seat sec-tion, a front leg section comprising a pair of spaced vertical legs, a pair of front vhinge assemblies for pivotally connecting the front leg section to the apron frame of the seatsection, and latching mechanism for releasably retaining the chair in rigid erect position, each of said front hinge assemblies comprising an angular seat bracket having one leg thereof secured to .theinside face of the adjacent front `apron member and the other leg thereof extending substantially parallelto but spaced from the .in-side face of the adjacent side apron member and terminating .in an outwardly oi'rset ange portion secured to the adjacent side apron member, and 'a legplatepresenting a vertical leg secured tothe inside face of the adjacent chair 1eg, a horizontal 1eg pivotally connected to the depressed side face of said side bracket leg, and'a hip portion joining the horizontal leg tothe vertical leg ofthe leg plate, and an abutment lip extending .from said side bracket leg against which theupper edge of the horizontal leg 'of the Vleg plate will abut when the chair is irl-erected position, latching mechanism comprising a horizontally extending latching bar -having at lfaced -end portions, a horizontally extending groove along the inside face of said front apron member for receiving said latching bar whenin retracted position, a horizontal extending slot inveach of said side bracket legs for receiving the adjacent end portion of the'latching baryeach of saidslots Lpresenting a smooth lower `vedge -for supporting the adjacent fiat `faced fend portion-of the Vlatching bar, Vresilient means connected to each of said side bracket legs and -the adjacent end portion of the latchingbar*operative-toresiliently draw the dat faced end portions of -the 'latching bar into the slots associated withsaid side bracket legs, the hip portion of each o'fsa'id'leg brackets vpresenting `a curvilinear camm-ing edge designed to .en-

side bracket leg and a hip portion joining the gage the adjacent end portion of'the'latching :bm-

when the chair sections are swung to and from erected position, each of said curvilinear camming edges terminating in a latching notch extending into the hip portion of the leg plate, each of said latching notches being arranged to align with the slot in the adjacent side bracket leg when the leg `plate is in abutment against the abutment lip extending from the adjacent side bracket leg, each of said latching notches presenting an upper inclined camming edge against which the flat faced end portion of the latching bar may wedge when the chair is in erected position.

15. A folding chair including in combination, a seat section having a depending apron frame presenting a pair of side apron members, a back section having a pair of rear chair legs each presenting a rear leg extension pivotally connected to said seat section, a front leg section having a pair of front chair legs pivotally connected to said seat section, said seat section and front leg section being foldable into approximate parallelism with said back section, and a pair of foldable armv rest assemblies automatically foldable with the folding movement of said seat'section, each of said arm rest assemblies comprising an arm rest member having one end thereof pivotally connected to the adjacent rear leg extension, a strut member having the upper end thereof hingedly connected to the under face of the arm rest member at the front end thereof, and means for pivotally connecting the lower end of said arm rest member to the adjacent side apron member of the seat frame, said pivoting means including a tubular sleeve threaded horizontally into the adjacent side apron member, and a hinge bolt projecting through a bore extending horizontally through the lower end of said strut member and having the inner end thereof threaded into said tubular sleeve, said tubular sleeve having an enlarged collar portion inset into a conformed receiving cavity forming in the inside end face of said strut member providing a trunion bearing for the swinging movement of said strut member.

16. A folding chair including in combination, a

18 seat section having a pair of side apron members, a back section having a pair of rear chair legs each presenting a rear leg extension pivotally connected to said seat section, a front leg section having a pair of front chair legs pivotally connected to said seat section, said seat section and front leg section being foldable into approximate parallelism with said back section, latching mechanism for releasably retaining the chair in rigid erect position, and a pair of foldable arm rest assemblies automatically foldable with the folding movement of said seat section, each of said arm rest assemblies comprising an arm rest member having the rear end thereof pivotally connected to the adjacent rear leg extension, a strut member having the upper end thereof hingedly connected to the under face of the front end of the arm rest member, and means for pivotally connecting the lower end of said arm rest member to the adjacent side apron member of the seat frame, said pivoting means including a tubular sleeve threaded into the adjacent side apron member, a hinge bolt projecting through a bore extending horizontally through the lower end of said strut member and having the inner end thereof threaded into said tubular sleeve, said tubular sleeve having an enlarged collar portion inset into a conformed receiving cavityy forming the inside end face of said strut member providing a trunion bearing for the swinging movement of said strut member.

GLENN H. NORQUIST.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,218,940 Hillier Mar. 13, 1917 1,970,266 Allerding Aug. 14, 1934 Y 2,136,543 Gammon Nov. 15, 1938 2,152,149 Park Mar. 28, 1939 2,221,932 Utley Nov. 19, 1940 2,232,205 Boardman Feb. 18, 1941 

